about the tour

Come find out what it was.

What It Was Walking Tour is an immersive Black history experience through Downtown Tampa. We visit places connected to Black businesses, entrepreneurs, neighborhoods, entertainment, community life, and the people who helped shape Tampa.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

THE PLACES- Stand where Tampa history actually happened.

THE PEOPLE- Meet Black Tampa residents whose businesses, leadership, creativity, and community building helped shape the city.

THE RECEIPTS- We love a primary source. This content was created by researching historic photographs, newspaper articles, maps, Green Books, census records, and city directories help us show you exactly what we're talking about.

THE STORIES- Some are inspiring. Some are funny. Some are infuriating. Some explain things about Tampa that suddenly make a whole lot more sense.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL HISTORY TOUR.- You don't need to be a history buff. There will not be a quiz. We're here for good stories, good conversation, and the kind of history that makes you look at a familiar street and say: "WAIT! THAT was here?"

Colorful sculpture outdoors on a paved area, with trees and buildings visible in the background. This sculpture is at the starting point for the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa.

DAY OR NIGHT. YOUR CHOICE.

Our signature evening tours let you explore Downtown Tampa after the sun goes down and the temperature does too. Prefer daylight? We offer daytime tours as well. Looking for something just for your group? Private tours may be available by request.

READY TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS?

SEE TOUR DATES + BOOK

What folks have to say

Group of five women smiling and taking a selfie at night during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Group of five people smiling and posing for a photo outdoors at night, during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman with large hoop earrings and long dark hair in a high ponytail is standing outdoors at night, during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Three women standing on a city sidewalk outside a building discussing history during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A smiling woman wearing large earrings and headphones taking a selfie with a man during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A group of five diverse friends taking a selfie together in front of a cityscape mural during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman with short curly hair, wearing a headset with a microphone, smiling during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Group of people standing in a circle outdoors near trees and parking lot, engaged in conversation during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Night scene showing a parking lot filled with vehicles, a bright yellow reflective traffic cone in the foreground, and bright lights illuminating the area against a dark sky during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Three women smiling and taking a selfie outdoors in a city area with trees and tents in the background during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt pointing to the right while standing outdoors on a paved surface with green trees and a blue sky in the background during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
People walking on a city street intersection in daylight during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A group of people walking along a sidewalk in an urban park during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Group of four diverse people smiling outdoors in front of a glass building during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A diverse group of eleven people standing together outdoors in front of a colorful mural of a city skyline. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
Group of seven people smiling for a photo outdoors near water with city buildings in the background, sunny weather, some wearing glasses and casual clothes during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman wearing a black tank top, a gray baseball cap, and a headset with a microphone is pointing to a sign that reads "Tampa's Black History Museum." She is standing outdoors in front of a brick building with large windows, surrounded by green bush
Woman in black tank top and black pants standing on city street intersection with street signs for Pierce Street and Polk Street, during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman standing outdoors at night on a gravel surface next to a yellow lamp, with trees, a chain-link fence, and old buildings in the background during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa
A woman standing outdoors on a sidewalk near a grassy area with trees, holding a black umbrella with white text during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa. She is wearing a black hat and a black t-shirt.
Group of seven women and one child outdoors, smiling, with trees and a clear sky in the background, during the WHAT IT WAS WALKING TOUR in Tampa